International Baccalaureate Diploma

The Diploma Programme Model

The IB Diploma Programme is a two year program during a student's last two years of high school. In the United States, the coursework and core is studied in grades 11 and 12.

The IB courses fall into 6 groups/subject areas.

English Language/Literature

Language Acquisition

Individuals and Societies

Science

Mathematics

The Arts or Other Elective

Three additional components make up the Diploma Plan Core and complete the IB Diploma: Theory of Knowledge, CAS, and the Extended Essay.

In order to earn an IB diploma, students must do the following:

Take 3 courses at Higher Level (2 years/240 hours of instruction) and 3 courses at Standard Level (1 year/150 hours of instruction). Students may also opt to take 4 HL and 2 SL courses. These six courses must include at least one course from Groups 1-5 and then may include a course from Group 6 OR an additional SL/HL course from Groups 1-5.

Complete and reflect on CAS experiences

Earn a minimum of 24 points on IB exams, TOK, and the EE (Each exam is scored on a 1-7 scale; TOK/EE can earn the student 3 bonus points).

The maximum points that can be awarded is 45 ( (6x7) + 3).

CAS requirements have been met.

There is no "N" awarded for TOK, the EE, or for a contributing subject.

There is no grade E awarded for TOK and/or the EE.

There is no grade 1 awarded in a subject/level.

There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (SL or HL).

There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (SL or HL).

The candidate has gained 12 points or more on HL subjects (For candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count.)

The candidate has gained 9 points or more on SL subjects (candidates who register for two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL).

The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.

Group 1: Language and Literature

Strong writing and oral skills and respect for the literature and the international perspective are explored through world literature studies.

Group 2: Language Acquisition

IB diploma candidates are examined in a second language. The principal aim for the subjects in group 2 is to enable students to use the second language in a range of contexts and for many purposes; the courses focus on written and spoken communication.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

The subjects available are History, Environmental Systems (which could alternately count toward Group 4), and Economics. Studying these subjects encourages the development of a critical appreciation of human experience and behavior, the varieties of physical, economic, and social environments that people inhabit, and the history of social and cultural institutions.

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

Subjects available are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, and Computer Science. Practical laboratory skills are developed and collaborative learning is encouraged through an interdisciplinary group project. Students develop an awareness of moral and ethical issues and a sense of social responsibility.

Group 5: Mathematics

Students complete a mathematics course, and three options are available to cater to the different abilities and levels of student interest. Each course aims to deepen a student’s understanding of mathematics as a discipline and to promote confidence and facility in the use of mathematical language.

Group 6: Arts & Electives

The final group includes Visual Arts, Dance, and Theater with emphasis placed on practical production by the student and exploration of a range of creative work in a global context. Students may also elect certain subjects from other groups to meet Group 6 requirements.